Chapter 15 — Three Houses for My Cousin, I Took My Mother Abroad to Live a Worthy Life

Investor. Technical expert. Media reporter. When I step on stage. The presenter introduces:

“The next speaker is Ms. Tham Dao, founder of Dao Quang Technology.”

“At the age of twenty-eight, she sold the company for 120,000,000 yuan.”

“Currently residing abroad and working in the field of technology consulting and investment.”

Applause rang out like thunder. My speech is not too complicated. Thirty minutes. Talk about technology trends. Commercialization path. Lessons and mistakes experienced. Under the stands. Someone took a video. Someone took notes. Someone secretly took photos and posted them on social networks. Go to the communication section. One person stood up and asked:

“General Manager Tham, why did you sell the company at the best time?”

I hold the microphone. Calmly answer:

“Because there are things more important than making money.”

“Stay with my mother.”

The whole hall was silent for a second. The applause rang out more intensely than before. After getting off stage. There were seven or eight investors who came to give business cards. Among them is a partner of the Sequoia fund.

“Miss Tham, when will you start your business again?”

“We are always ready.”

I smiled.

“It depends on fate.”

The last person to step forward was a middle-aged man. Wear an old polo shirt. Her hair is more than half gray.

“Tham Dao.”

“You probably don't recognize me anymore.”

I looked at him. Of course I noticed. Dao Quang Technology's first customer. Three years ago. When the company only had three people. It was he who signed the first contract worth 300,000 yuan with us.

“General Manager Ly.”

“Just call me Mr. Ly.”

He laughed loudly.

“Tieu Tham.”

“After she left, our company still used the vision testing system she worked on that year.”

“Until now it hasn't changed.”

I laughed.

“Should upgrade.”

“That system is the architecture of three years ago.”

“Who should I look for when upgrading?”

“You can find me.”

Old Ly patted my shoulder.

“I'm waiting for you.”

When stepping out of the forum center. It was dark. Shenzhen nights are still hot. Luc Dien is waiting on the side of the road.

“Very good presentation.”

“Are you coming too?”

“I sit in the last row.”

“Meeting some customers by the way.”

The two of us walked side by side on the promenade of Shenzhen Bay Park. Opposite side. The lights of Hong Kong sparkle like stars.

“Tham Dao.”

“Have you ever thought…”

“What if I don't sell the company that year?”

I looked at the sea in the distance.

“There are no ifs.”

“Every choice is the right choice.”

He turned to look at me.

“You don't regret it?”

“My mother is more important than the company.”

“I have never regretted it.”

Luc Dien put his hands in his pockets.

“I'm the type of person who never regrets.”

“Regret is the most useless emotion.”

We went a little further. Suddenly he spoke:

“If your new company needs a legal department.”

“I can help.”

“You quit your job at the Hangzhou law office?”

“I plan to move to Shenzhen.”

I looked at him.

“The air in Hangzhou is not good.”

He said extremely seriously. I couldn't help but laugh.

“Welcome to join.”

The eldest aunt came to the door. But don't look for me. It's about finding my mother. She bought a plane ticket. Flying alone to Auckland. I don't know how we found our home address. I went downtown to meet a customer. Mom is home alone. When the doorbell rang. Mom thought so delivery staff. The eldest aunt stood right outside the gate. Wear a gray coat. Bring a travel suitcase. Compared to half a year ago. She was no less than ten years old.

“Tu Lan…”

Mom stood still. It took three seconds to react.

“Why did you come here?”

Tears immediately welled up in the eldest aunt's eyes.

“Tieu Lan…”

“I'm really at a loss.”

“Can you help me…”

My mother frantically invited my eldest aunt into the house. The eldest aunt sat on the sofa. Cried for half an hour. Crying while telling all kinds of stories intermittently. The eldest uncle went to prison. All savings in the house are frozen. After returning the property and paying the fine, a large amount is still missing. For hours now, no one is willing to lend any more. Chu Man also ignored her. The house is still in her name. But because the eldest uncle's case is related to property, it is likely that real estate will also be investigated. Maybe I won't even be able to keep my last place.

“Tu Lan…”

“I only have you as my biological sister…”

Mom poured her a cup of hot water. Sit next to me. Don't know what to say. At noon I went home. As soon as I walked to the door, I saw a pair of strange shoes. Open the door and enter. The eldest aunt is sitting in the living room. See me. The expression on her face immediately changed.

“Dao Dao...”

“Why did you come here?”

Mom poked her head out from the kitchen.

“Dao Dao, my eldest aunt…”

“I know.”

“Mom, go cook dinner.”

“Let me talk to aunt.”

Mom hesitated for a few seconds. Finally returned to the kitchen. I sat down opposite my eldest aunt.

“Auntie, say it.”

“How much money is needed?”

The eldest aunt's eyes lit up.

“Dao Dao, I…”

“I asked my aunt how much she needed.”

“Didn't say I would give it.”

“I just want to listen.”

Her eyes immediately darkened.

“Refund plus penalty...”

“About 600,000 yuan more.”